Quartz is one of the most popular kitchen and bathroom countertop material. The material is strong and nonporous but that does not make it 100 percent resistant to chips and small cracks. The material is formed from a mix of stone, resin, polymers, and pigments. Thanks to the hardness of quartz, your countertop will seldom get scratches, chips, and cracks. However, even though it is sturdy, the material can still get chipped.
Quartz countertop is one of the costliest upgrades your kitchen could have, and it might have taken you a while to come to that decision, so caring for and maintaining it should be a priority.
If your countertop gets chipped, you need to understand quartz countertop chip repair basics. This way, a crack in a quartz countertop will not leave your kitchen surfaces looking unsightly.
In this article, we explore different ways to fix a quartz countertop crack.
Before Quartz Countertop Crack Repair, Check your Warranty
Quartz countertops are long-lasting – most of them are accompanied by 10+-year warranties. Before you start DIY repairs that might make your warranty void, check what the manufacturer has to say. Check what kind of damages the warranty covers and under what conditions the warranty holds. If your warranty covers chips as a result of accidents, call the manufacturer and have your countertop repaired or replaced. If the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover chips and cracks on your countertop, they can give you instructions on how to do quartz countertop edge chip repair. If you are lucky, the manufacturer might send someone to your home to check the severity of the damage and repair it for you. In most cases, the warranty will cover damages that occur as a result of accidents.
Warranties for considerable investments like a quartz countertop are very important. That’s why keeping them is crucial. Most warranty booklets also come with care instructions, so you’ll know what to do in the event of chips and cracks.
Quartz Countertop Chip Repair: How to Do It
Quartz countertop cracked from heat but with minor chips should be easy to repair. You can fix a simple chip or a crack in a quartz countertop by use of an adhesive. You will need an ammonia-based cleaner to clean the chips and the area around it, a masking tape, superglue for countertops that are light-colored, a pigmented epoxy adhesive for dark-colored countertops, and sandpaper to smooth the adhesive. You can avoid cracks and chips by learning more about quartz care on Caesarstone.
Below are five steps to follow to fix a quartz countertop crack or chip.
1. Clean the Surface
Ammonia-based cleaners come in handy in cleaning quartz countertops. Use the cleaner and a piece of soft fabric to remove dust and any other particles lodged on the chip and the area around it. Ammonia-based cleaners and soft fabrics are nonabrasive and will not cause further damages to your countertop. All you need to do is spray the cleaner on the countertop surface and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Allow the surface to dry before you start the repairs.
2. Mark the Chipped Area with Masking Tape
Before you put adhesive on the chipped or cracked area, put adhesive all round to ensure that areas not chipped do not get the adhesive. This way, after you are done with the quartz countertop edge chip repair, you will only peel off the masking tapes without having to deal with nasty stains. Again, trying to scrape off the adhesive on areas that were not affected might lead to the development of scratches.
3. Use Superglue for Light-Colored Countertops
Superglue is a clear material that makes it almost unnoticeable when used on light-colored countertops. Use thin superglue for chips on the surface of your countertop and thicker-constancy superglue for quartz countertop crack repair on edges. Use a spatula to apply the superglue applying thin coats of the glue at a time. Add the superglue until its level matches that of the countertop then leave it to dry and cure for one night. Note that, if you use a lot of superglue, it will take a lot of time to cure.
Make sure to handle this material with care and to avoid touching anything since it could be very sticky; it might glue your fingers together or damage your hair when it gets too close. It’s best to use protective gear on your hands and tie your hair to prevent mishaps.
4. Use Pigmented Epoxy Adhesive for Dark-Colored Countertops
You might be surprised that the same epoxy used for arts and crafts can help remedy your damaged quartz countertop, but that’s what is epoxy resin used for. A pigmented epoxy adhesive matches dark-colored countertops. You can also use it on textured countertops. Before adding the adhesive on the crack or chip, add a dye with a shade similar to the color of the countertop and mix them properly. Apply the epoxy the same way you would superglue on a surface. Apply only thin coats until the epoxy is on the same level with the countertop. Leave the epoxy for at least 24 hours to dry and cure. However, you might need to apply a little more epoxy as it shrinks when it dries. Do not worry about the excess epoxy that protrudes from the surface of your countertop as you can sand it later.
5. File the Adhesive with Sandpaper
If the adhesive forms a small hill on the surface of your countertop, sand off the hill with sandpaper to leave the surface smooth. Use sandpaper with a grit of between 360 and 600 to completely even out the applied adhesive.
Using the correct texture of sandpaper will ensure you achieve the closest to the original finish of your surface. Some would also recommend using different grits in different stages of removing irregularities. Some would use a 60 for the initial abrasion and 320 for the final to achieve a smooth finish.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Quartz Countertop Chip Repair
If a crack in a quartz countertop is larger than a few millimeters, you need to seek the help of a professional. Knowing how to repair a quartz countertop cracked from heat or minor accidents at home will help you keep your countertop in good shape and avoid high repair costs. However, if you feel that the chip is large and a home solution will not work, it is best to call professionals or call the manufacturer for advice. While repairs by a professional will be costly, you are assured that your countertop will be restored into its original shape. Again, getting professional help is better than buying a new quartz countertop.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops are strong and sturdy; they can resist chips, cracks, and scratches. However, with time and due to high heat or repeated pressure, the countertop might scratch, chip, or crack. As such, you need to care for your countertop to keep it safe from these chips and cracks. You can start by ensuring hot items are never directly placed on the countertop, using a chopping board when cutting foodstuffs, and wiping off spills immediately. When well-cared-for, the countertop can last for more than two decades.
